Margherita: a match for Coppola!
Secluded, heavy with flowers and precious smells, well-hidden in the Italian landscape, this would be the best description for the small historical town of Bernalda, located in the Basilicata region of Southern Italy. That’s where Francis Ford Coppola bought and remodelled Palazzo Margherita.
A family affair
The Palazzo was built in 1892 by the Margherita family in the Italian style of the period, at the same time as Francis Ford Coppola’s grand father, born in its shadow, was living. So, it’s a kind of homage to his roots that Coppola made by restoring the Palazzo and turning it into a luxurious hotel with all and every amenities, but nearly hidden from view, as Coppola’s goal was to preserve the beauty and atmosphere of the place.
“A thing of beauty is a joy forever”
Director Coppola is famous for his dramatic movie sets and beautiful lightings, as well as his sensitivity to warm colors and his movie culture: looking at the Palazzo pictures after the remodelling, you would think you are part of the 1963 French-Italian movie The Leopard (Le Guépard). No wonder he asked French designer Jacques Grange to reproduce this same ushered, palatial, comfortable atmosphere, half-oriental to celebrate his Tunisian grand-mother, half-baroque to celebrate the insane creativity of Italy, both trends to be found in the rooms. Grange used exotic-tiled or original marble floors when available, and hand-painted fresco ceilings. He preserved the old-looking courtyard, but allowed a swimming-pool, (although the white sand beaches are only a 10 minute drive away) nestled in wonderful, green, rich gardens. It looks more like a family place than a hotel, closer to the XIX century than he XXI. But if you miss the fun, go to town: you will enjoy the famous hospitality and warmth of the Italians.
Janvier 2013
By Natacha Pavol
